RURAL RETREAT consists of three
hundred and forty acres, owned by William B. Avery, whose address
is Aurora, New York. Its location is on the Avery road, within two and one-half
miles of Aurora, and sixteen of Auburn. This large farm is devoted principally
to the raising of stock and fruit (of which there is a great abundance),
and general soil products. A conspicuous feature, however, is its dairy,
which consists of some forty cows of high-grade Jerseys; a source of revenue
is also derived from the raising of swine, Berkshire strain being a favorite.
The improvements, including the buildings, are modern in architecture and
convenience and were placed by the enterprising proprietor, who is also owner
of Baldwin Homestead on Lot 43. "Rural Retreat" was formerly owned by Daniel
Avery, and from him to James Avery in 1850, where he resided until
1860, removing to Aurora, where he died in 1864. It remained as an estate
until 1880, when it came into possession of the present owner, William
Avery, who was born on the farm in 1853. The buildings and stock are
supplied with pure water from wells by windmill power, and to the fields
by streams and brooklets. He married Miss Jane W. Baldwin, who is
a native of Cayuga County, in 1880. Their family consists of nine children
- five sons and four daughters - all living. Mr. Avery has been somewhat
in the public eye during his residence in Ledyard. He served four years as
Supervisor and as chairman of the Board during that time; he is also a School
Trustee, and President of the Creamery Company at Aurora, and an Elder of
the Presbyterian Church of the same place.